"Furthermore, your current deficit stands at precisely three hundred and forty-two thousand gold sovereigns, three silver groats, and twelve copper pence," Cassian recited smoothly, not even looking up from his ledger as his pen scratched a sharp, definitive line across the page. "Not to mention the unauthorized structural depreciation of public infrastructure. Shall I itemize the penalties for criminal negligence, or would you prefer to sign the voluntary asset forfeiture forms right now and save us both an afternoon of tedious litigation?"Vesper’s hand trembled violently against the brass lever. The metal hummed with a low, menacing vibration that resonated through the floorboards of the High Citadel, carrying the faint, distant roar of the city outside where thousands of citizens and rebellious guards awaited the verdict. For a long, agonizing moment, the Chancellor’s eyes darted between the gleaming control mechanism and the terrifyingly calm auditor seated b